Throughout his life he spoke about the importance of local history and its ability to create a sense of place.[3][9][10] After his passing in 2019, he was memorialized in articles for theLos Angeles Times,[1]The Orange County Register,[3] and elsewhere.[2] He was regularly cited in numerous articles for various local city and county newspapers and magazines for his expertise.[11][12][13] He maintained a websiteOC Historyland until his passing.[14]
Brigandi had been a researcher since 1975, who grew up in the city ofOrange, California. He graduated fromOrange High School in 1977 and fromCalifornia State University, Fullerton in 1982 with a degree in history.[2] He published his first book at the age of 23.[3] Brigandi regularly preserved historical writings, such as newspaper clippings from offices that were due to be destroyed. He enjoyed hiking and never owned a cellphone.[2]
In 2003, he became Orange County's official archivist, an office that had been closed since 1995 due to the county's bankruptcy.[10] He told theOrange County Register, "Local history is important because it provides a connection to where we live, a sense of place. We need people committed to deal with the issues in our neighborhoods. We need to encourage a connection to place.”[3]
Brigandi was a member of the Boy Scouts for most of his life. He became a Cub Scout in 1967, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and served as a Section Chief in the Order of the Arrow. In 1975, Brigandi first joined the staff of Lost Valley Scout Reservation[15] (theOrange County Council's summer camp), and continued to be involved with Lost Valley until his death.
In 2012, fellow local historian Jim Sleeper passed away, whoThe Orange County Register referred to as the county's first historian. Brigandi had known Sleeper for about 35 years, and commented, "He wrote like the person he was. He had a wry sense of humor and his own way of looking at the world."[16]
Brigandi died on December 12, 2019 due to complications of a heart attack.[1] After Brigandi's passing, his brother Chris noted, "Phil found a purpose and passion at a young age, and he loved what he did. He stayed true to himself and was a kind and loving human being. His good work was far-reaching and beneficial to many. He is deeply missed."[2]
